Disclaimer: Don't own the rights to Beyblade.

A/N: Hellooo~

Guys I'm so excited about this chapter! It's of epic length - see it as a treat to make up for the lack of TyKa moments in the previous chapter ;) - and it's got some of everything in it.

A huuuge thank you to beyblade-lover, kaidatinuchan, Yuelian-Licht89, IcePhoniex and Little A Granger! You guys are so amazing! Thanks so so much for sharing your thoughts about this every week and for still sticking with me on this! :)

Now, enjoy this XXL chapter!

Felix Culpa

Chapter 14

It was Friday afternoon and Tyson wasn't happy. He hadn't seen Kai all day yesterday and today. How was that even possible? They were living in the same house after all. Tyson was sprawled across the couch and aimlessly zapped through the TV channels. Man, he couldn't even mount enough enthusiasm to stick with one show. Today everything sucked. Big time! Yes, Tyson was sulking like a little kid and he knew that. That didn't mean he could do anything about it though. This was the thing with emotions – they were what they were. Tyson sighed slightly frustrated and changed the channel once more.

That moment the sound Tyson had been waiting to hear ever since he got home reached his ears: the sound of the front door opening. Kai! It could only be Kai, because Max was curled up in an armchair by the window reading a comic book and Ray was in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Tyson pricked up his ears. He could hear Kai's and Ray's muffled voices. Sadly there was no way to make out words. Maybe if he turned down the TV? No, Max was right there and if he'd notice Tyson was eves-dropping it would be a bit awkward.

He could go over and pretend to be very hungry and ask about dinner. That way he'd get to see Kai. He did feel a bit pathetic, but he had missed him. One could miss someone after a day, if one was used to seeing that person around all the time, right? So it wasn't that pathetic. And he actually didn't have to pretend - he really was hungry and the smell of food from the kitchen was mouth‑watering. So if he went over there now he would not only get to see Kai, he'd also find out when dinner would be ready. Win-win!

Tyson switched off the TV and strolled over to the kitchen. Kai was sitting at the kitchen island with a cup of coffee. He was talking to Ray, who had half-way disappeared into one of the cabinets, apparently searching for something.

"Hey guys," Tyson said and put on a smile.

Kai stared into his cup and just hnd. Ray emerged from the cabinet with some herbs Tyson couldn't identify in his hands. He smiled back at him.

"Dinner is ready in a minute Tyson. Can you get Max?"

Tyson nodded. As he left he heard Kai say "You're such a good Mom, Ray."

He felt a pang of jealousy. Why did Ray get a joke and all he got was a hn? Pathetic, Tyson, he told himself again. Hopefully the food would cheer him up...

They'd just started with dinner when suddenly the doorbell rang. And it didn't just ring once, no, someone persistently kept ringing the bell. Kai raised a brow. Well, this was annoying.

Out of the corner of his eye he watched Max jump up.

"I'll get it."

Kai heard the front door open and Max's surprised voice saying hello to whoever was outside the door.

"Kaaii," Max then yelled from the hall. "It's for you, it's-..."

Before Kai heard the end of that sentence, Tala burst through the kitchen door.

Kai raised a brow and asked, "What are you doing back here already? And you know you could have just given the keys to Max?"

Tala didn't bother to answer. He walked straight over to Kai and pulled him up from his chair.

"The fuck, Valkov?" Kai snarled, not even trying to hide his annoyance.

"You, me, the pub!"

"Would you care to explain?"

"No, I would like about a bottle of vodka running through my veins. Now move it, Hiwatari, before I have to drag your slow ass outta here."

Kai didn't like the sound of this. He knew Tala well enough to know that he was really upset about something. One didn't need to be a genius to figure out it had something to with Bryan, given the fact they'd just returned early from their 'weekend' trip together.

Kai held out his hand.

"Keys," he said.

Tala let them fall into his outstretched hand and Kai dropped them on the kitchen counter.

"If you guys want to go out tonight, feel free to take the car, Ray. See you guys tomorrow," he said and followed Tala outside.

They had taken a cab downtown and found a corner table in their favorite bar. Before they'd even sat down Tala had already ordered a bottle of vodka on ice and an extra-large bowl of snacks. This was Tala's way of coping: vodka and peanuts.

Kai furrowed his brows. He saw a major hangover coming up in his near future. Yes, he had a good tolerance for vodka, but half a bottle of vodka (possibly more) was quite something.

When said bottle was brought to their table Tala quickly knocked back three shots, stuffed his face with a handful of peanuts and slumped into his seat.

Kai raised a brow. This was almost too pitiful to watch! What on earth had happened?

"Spill!" he ordered.

Dealing with emotional crisis in general wasn't Kai's thing – even less so if it was caused by relationship troubles. There was no doubt Spencer would have been the better address if it came to helpful advice and soothing words. But maybe all Tala wanted was to pour his heart out. That Kai could help with. He'd just have to sit here, listen and occasionally have a shot with his red-haired friend. Maybe he'd even manage a comforting pat on the back. Everything past that though was Spencer's area of expertise.

First Tala said nothing. He just sighed. Then he helped himself to another handful of peanuts. Another sigh followed. Kai rolled his eyes.

He handed Tala another shot and simply said, "Talk."

Tala took the shot, sat the glass down, sighed again and then, just as Kai was about to hit him over the back of the head, Tala started to speak.

"After I left your place I picked up Bryan and we made our way to these hot springs, about two hours south of here. It was a quiet drive and-…"

"Oh please, you road-raged like a champion."

"How do you-…"

"Bryan sent me photos."

"Do you think that's the reason why he-…"

"No, I'm sure he loved it," Kai interrupted again. "Go on."

Tala continued, "Yeah, well we got there: the hotel was awesome, the hot springs amazing… everything was fine and then next thing I know, he was being a dick. I guess there's no other explanation but this: I must really suck in bed!"

"It might be your personality, too."

"What are you trying to say?" Tala asked with furrowed brows.

"You're annoying."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better…how?"

"It's not," Kai said. "Just analyzing the situation and suggesting possible reasons."

"Oh gee, thanks!" Tala snorted and popped some more peanuts in his mouth. "Remind me why I came to you for help?"

"I've been asking myself that exact same question ever since you barged into my kitchen," Kai replied dryly.

He grabbed the bottle of vodka, poured them another shot and said, "Drink and go on."

Tala looked at his glass.

"Maybe this is why. Spencer never lets me touch a single drink. And I do need a drink now."

He emptied his glass and then shoved another handful of peanuts in his mouth. Kai wondered if there were any medical risks to eating this many peanuts. Anyway, it was making him sick just watching Tala stuff his face at this speed, so he pushed the bowl out of Tala's reach for now.

Tala, still chewing, said, "You know, maybe I should just let Bryan be a dick for a while and distract myself. I mean, this is Bryan we're talking about. I don't have to understand everything he does, right? It's impossible! Oh, I know: how about you tell me about your progress with Tyson?"

"How about no?"

"So I take it there is no progress. C'mon Kai, do us both a favor and kiss him already."

Kai glared at the redhead. How was that doing Tala a favor? As far as Kai knew he wasn't trying to make a career in match-making! This guy could be so damn irritating at times! Kai reminded himself that Tala was pretty upset at the moment and took a deep breath to keep himself from verbally ripping off the other's head.

"It's not that simple," he finally replied.

"Yeah it is. That part's no different from the girls you've been-…"

"That's not the point! We freakin' live together – that makes it complicated!"

Tala shrugged, "No, that makes it even easier! You can take him straight upstairs and get it over with."

"And you're surprised Bryan dumped you," Kai growled. "I'm surprised he started dating you in the first place."

"Gee, you don't have to be so mean. And he didn't dump me."

"Then why are we even here?"

"To get drunk so I can get past being pissed at Bryan and so you can finally come up with a way to follow your fucking heart."

"Fine," Kai said and refilled their glasses.

"Fine," Tala echoed and they both downed their shots.

The door had barely shut behind Kai and Tala when Max excitedly clapped his hands and started to beg Ray to drive them to the movies. He was really dying to see that movie. And to ride in Kai's car again! Tyson didn't even have time to sulk about the fact that Tala had just stolen his Kai‑time before Max involved him into the conversation. Tyson did an inward shrug and told himself that even though the movies wasn't what he'd hoped for tonight, it was pretty good alternative.

"Tyson, you wanna see it too, don't you? You don't have to answer, it's written all over your face. Oh please Ray, let's go see it. Please? Oh, and shotgun!"

"Yes, c'mon Ray, it'll be fun!" Tyson said. "We'll get popcorn and nachos and ice cream and whatever else looks good. Oh and shotgun for the way back!"

"Hey!" Max protested. "You can't shotgun the way back already."

"I can and I did. Plus you were shotgun last time."

Ray shook his head at their little quarrel, but smiled.

"Fine, why not," Ray said. "Just stop fussing over who gets to sit in front. It's only a car."

Max gasped.

"Only a car? But Ray!"

And then he went on and on about how Kai's car wasn't just a car, but really a work of art.

After the movie they returned straight home even though Max begged Ray to take a detour over the highway to see how fast the car would go, despite the fact that Kai would probably make him pay for the speeding ticket. They sat together in the living room for a while, discussing the move and what they liked and didn't like about it. After a while first Max, then Ray started to yawn and as their yawns became more frequently they wished Tyson a good night and went upstairs to their rooms. Tyson stayed downstairs. He didn't feel like he could sleep now. There were too many thoughts in his head for that. Not being able to sleep, now that was something he wasn't exactly used to. Usually he could sleep anywhere, anytime… Great, first Kai kept him from paying attention in school and now he even robbed him of his sleep. Another reason to finally make a move! But how could he do that, if Kai was never home?

"Rats!"

Tyson threw himself into the pile of pillows on the far end of the couch and buried his face in one of them.

"Rats, rats, rats."

He rolled around and blew out some air. This was killing him… Next time he'd see Kai he'd just walk up to him and kiss him until he wouldn't be able to remember his name! Or something like that…

Tyson reached for the remote control, switched on the TV and zapped through the channels until he found a cartoon he liked.

Eventually he must have dozed off, because next thing he knew there was a loud crash and Tyson jolted awake.

What the-…?

He relaxed when he realized he'd fallen asleep with the television on. The cartoon he'd been watching had made room for an action movie in which about a dozen cars had just been blown up. That explained the explosions. Tyson yawned and searched for the remote. He finally found it on the floor in front of the couch and turned the TV off.

Great, now what? The sound of the explosions had pumped quite an amount of adrenaline through his body. How was he supposed to go back to sleep with that?

Tyson scratched the back of his head. What did people do when they couldn't sleep? Count sheep. Heck no, he wasn't going to do that. How boring! He knew Ray always brewed himself a cup of tea and read a couple pages. Tyson didn't know what he should read though. He wasn't much of a bookworm… As a matter of fact, he didn't actually own a book. He could probably get one from Kai's personal library, but… nah. He wouldn't know where to start looking for something he liked and he didn't dare rummaging through Kai's stuff. Who knew what he'd find? The image of the handcuffs appeared in front of his inner eye. Tyson quickly shook his head, as if that would erase the picture.

Think about something else, Tyson, he told himself. Like, what does Kai do when he can't sleep?

Probably read, too. And maybe with a glass of vodka, instead of tea! Tyson shuddered. Ugh, no thanks. So that left Max. Of course! Tyson smiled. Why didn't he think of that sooner? Maxi swore on hot milk with honey. He'd made some for Tyson, too, a couple times. Oh now that was something he would gladly try.

Tyson quickly made his way to the kitchen. There he filled milk in a large cup, added some (a lot of) honey and put it in the microwave. As he watched the cup turn in the microwave his mind wandered to Kai. Was he still at the bar, hanging out with Tala? And what had been up with Tala earlier? He'd seemed a bit out of it.

The ping of the microwave interrupted Tyson's thoughts. Carefully he pulled his cup out of the microwave. Tyson took a sip from his cup and almost dropped it as a sharp pain shot through his lower lip. Damn, this was way too hot to drink yet! He was about to blow on his milk when he heard the front door open. Kai must be home already. A glance over at clock told him 'already' was close to four o'clock. Wow, he had slept longer than he would have thought on that couch.

Just as Tyson put down his cup to go out in the hallway to see what was going on, the kitchen door opened and Kai walked in. He was walking fairly straight, but judging by the heavy smell of alcohol Kai brought with him Tala must have really meant it when he had talked about a bottle of vodka running through his veins.

"You smell like a bar."

The surprised look on Kai's face told him Kai hadn't noticed him until now. Yeah, he was drunk alright.

"Hey," Kai said.

Tyson watched him pour a large glass of water and gulp it down. He leaned against the kitchen counter across from Kai and watched him refill his glass.

"So, how was your night?" he asked. "Did you get Tala home ok?"

Kai shrugged and took another sip from his water before he answered, "Basically had to carry that idiot."

Tyson couldn't help but envy Tala. What he'd give to be carried by Kai… He shook his head. He was wandering off topic. Again!

Tyson glanced over at his secret crush, only to see crimson eyes looking directly at him. He saw how Kai slightly furrowed his brows, before he put down his glass and walked towards him.

Tyson felt his heartbeat accelerate and his cheeks flush more with every step Kai took towards him. What was Kai up to? Without taking his crimson eyes off of him, Kai came closer until they were only inches apart.

Tyson swallowed hard. Oh gosh, so close! So close he could make out every detail in Kai's eyes, so close he could feel the heat radiating off of Kai's body, so close that Tyson noticed the smell of mint mixed with that of alcohol. Had Kai been chewing gum? Why would he-…?

When Kai leaned in even further, Tyson was sure he was about to faint. He held on to the kitchen counter behind him, not trusting his legs to hold his weight. His heart was pounding hard and quick in his chest and everything in the room seemed to fade, except for Kai. Tyson's eyes slowly fluttered shut. He could almost feel Kai's lips on his, when suddenly…

Wham!

Tyson's eyes flew open. The loud crash in the hallway was now followed by someone cursing under his breath. And just like that, the magic of the moment was gone. Tyson very much felt like cursing out loud, too. So close! He had been so close to kissing Kai, no being kissed by Kai. Why? Why did someone have to interrupt what could have been the most important moment of his young life? Fu…dge!

Helplessly Tyson watched Kai take two quick steps back. Not a second too soon, because in that same moment Ray, still cursing, walked in.

"Um, hi Ray," Tyson said and picked up his now cooled down milk.

"Oh, hi you guys. Kai, next time you're drunk can you please remember to leave your shoes by the door and not place them at the bottom of the stairs?"

"Hn."

"Hn-yes or hn-… never mind!"

While Ray filled a glass of water Kai disappeared into the hallway and made his way up the stairs (judging by the sound not without tripping over his own shoes).

"What are you still doing here, Ty?"

"Huh? Oh I just got some warm milk. Couldn't fall asleep. You?"

"Thirsty," Ray yawned. "Let's go back to bed."

Tyson nodded and followed Ray up the stairs. He made sure Ray's door was firmly shut before he slid into Kai's room. There was no way he'd let this opportunity go to waste! Even if that meant taking advantage of the fact that Kai was drunk as a skunk. All was fair in love and war, right? Also, Kai had started it…

"Kai, I-…"

But Kai was sprawled across his bed, fully clothed and dead asleep. Dammit. Well, opportunity officially wasted. Tyson figured that, regardless what Kai's feelings towards him might be, the kiss wouldn't go very well for him if he were to wake up Kai now….

Tomorrow! He'd do it tomorrow. Tyson retrieved the blanket from Kai's armchair, carefully placed it over the sleeping figure and, after a second of hesitation, he bent down and placed a light kiss on Kai's cheek.

Then Tyson quietly slipped out the door, his heart racing and his lips curved to a smile.

A/N: Now you can't say this was low on TyKa, huh? :D Hope you liked it!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone :)

NoEarlyBird